Practicalities for carers

There is a whole range of practical issues you will find yourself having to deal with as a carer. Day-to-day activities, such as housework, handling finances and personal care, are all important parts of caring for someone with cancer – and may be thngs you have not had to tackle before.

We have compiled some helpful practical tips from the experience of other carers, that may help with the day to day practicalities of being a carer.

Food and eating

• If possible, get advice on food and fluid intake from a dietitian.
• The person with cancer is likely to have changes in their appetite, so try preparing smaller meals more frequently.
• You can make small meals as energy-giving as possible, by trying things like milk powder in mashed potato, high calorie juices or making fresh lemon curd (to replace traditional energy puddings).
• Try not to make a big issue out of food and meal times. This can feel quite hard, because preparing food is one way we like to nurture people.
• Add food supplements to their portion of family meals.
• Try to take their mind off eating with distractions, like television.
• Always ask what they fancy to eat.
• Accept that sometimes they really don’t want to eat.

Moving and handling

• Learning to move and handle the person with cancer safely is beneficial to them and to their carer. Ask your GP or district nurse where you can get advice on this.
• If someone’s balance isn’t good, they may need your help when moving around. Ask them what help they want from you.
• Home-made aids can be very useful. For example, a plastic carrier bag on the car seat will help you swivel someone in and out of the car, if you don’t have a special cushion.
• Find out in advance what is offered in your local area by emergency services in the event of a fall or a similar accident.

Organising equipment and transport

• Ask the hospital or local social services department about household aids and wheelchairs.
• Grants may be available from Macmillan Cancer Support for expenses, such as equipment and transport.
• Plan ahead. Take advice from health professionals about what you might need in advance so the equipment is there when you need it.
• You may be entitled to a disabled badge for your car to use when you are taking the patient out. You may also be entitled to a free tax disc. Contact your local social services department for more information. You’ll find the number in the phone book.

Pain control

• Try using a tablet box so you can separate out all the pills that need to be taken that day.
• Keep a chart which shows all the pain relief being taken. It will help you develop a pattern that works.
• The person with cancer should take regular doses so the pain relief is always in their system – make sure the pain relief is taken as advised by the doctor.
• Tumours will sometimes put pressure on nerves, which can be very painful, so a change in position may help relieve some pain.

Personal care

There are a number of things you can do to make the person you are caring for more comfortable:

• In the bath you could use a towel under their arms and make a bath cushion out of foam and tied plastic bags.
• You could put a towel on the edge of the toilet seat so that they can sit down more comfortably.
• Try using a plastic urinal, commode or bowl so that they don’t have to leave the bedroom to go to the toilet.
• Carry a thin foam cushion in a bag that you can put down discreetly to make someone more comfortable when they are out.
• You could try helping them shave or wash their face in bed with a bowl and mirror.
• Consider buying a sofa bed for the living room so the person you are supporting can lie down in the day and watch TV, see friends and be part of family life. This also means you don’t have to run up and down the stairs to take them food and so on.

Dealing with practical chores

• Try to prioritise. Do what has to be done to keep the house hygienic and don’t worry too much about the rest.
• If you don’t usually do the housework and cooking, ask the person who does to teach you about these tasks.
• Ensure you’re getting all the benefits and other financial help you are entitled to – this may help to pay for a cleaner or gardener.